SALT is a not-for-profit institution which hosts exhibitions, conferences and public programs; engages in interdisciplinary research projects; and sustains SALT Research, a library and archive of recent art, architecture, design, urbanism, and social and economic histories to make them available for research and public use.

It builds upon the foundations and activities of Platform Garanti Contemporary Art Center, Ottoman Bank Archives and Research Centre, and Garanti Gallery, all of which have been dissolved. SALT’s mission is to explore critical and timely issues in visual and material culture, and cultivate innovative programs for research and experimental thinking. Assuming an open attitude and establishing itself as a site of learning and debate, the institution aims to challenge, excite and provoke its visitors by encouraging them to offer critique and response.

SALT’s activities are distributed between two landmark buildings, SALT Beyoğlu and SALT Galata. The architectural renovation of both buildings has been undertaken by Mimarlar Tasarım, the office of Aga Khan Award for Architecture winner Han Tümertekin, with specific interiors commissioned to design and architecture offices from Turkey. SALT Beyoğlu’s commissions include Suyabatmaz-Demirel and Ömer Ünal; while SALT Galata features interior spaces designed by ŞANAL, Superpool, Arif Özden and Tanju Özelgin, Autoban, ZOOM TPU and Ömer Ünal.

The original building of SALT Beyoğlu was constructed between 1850 and 1860. Opening on Istanbul’s pedestrian street Istiklal Caddesi with the name Siniossoglou Apartment, the building initially functioned as retail space on street level, with domestic residences on its upper floors. When, in the 1950s, the Beyoğlu district’s population fell into decline, the building ceased to function residentially, its space instead used for retail, political and artistic activities. Redesign of the building for contemporary use combines conservation of Siniossoglou Apartment’s original architectural elements, reinforcement of its structure, and a reorganization of the internal layout. SALT Beyoğlu hosts 1,130 square meters of exhibition space on three levels, as well as the Forum, Walk-in-Cinema, Café, Shop and Garden.

SALT Galata opened November 22, 2011. Originally designed by Alexandre Vallaury as the 19th century Imperial Ottoman Bank headquarters, SALT Galata houses a specialized, public library and archive; spaces dedicated to research and workshops; an exhibition and conference hall; as well as the Ottoman Bank Museum.

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